Nuno Goncalves Pedro is the founder and Managing Partner of Chamaeleon, a venture capital firm with over $100M assets under management and known for its successful investments in companies like DraftKings and Robinhood. With over 25 years in technology spanning roles as a computer engineer, product manager, and McKinsey senior expert across 35 countries, he brings a unique perspective to venture investing. His firm pioneered a distinctive operating model powered by Mantis, an in-house quantitative and technology platform that enhances deal sourcing and portfolio management.
The Essence of Being an AI-First Company
Nuno Goncalves Pedro explains what it means to be an AI-first company. At Chamaeleon, they’ve developed Mantis, their proprietary AI-augmented platform. Mantis aids in everything from identifying deals to carrying out due diligence. This unique use of AI sets Chamaeleon apart, especially in a venture capital landscape. Many VCs invest in tech but don’t utilize it for their operations.
Nuno’s team maintains all data in-house, ensuring proprietary information remains secure. This approach is important because it allows them to keep a competitive edge. Why not use ChatGPT, you might ask? The firm has specific needs that generic platforms can’t meet.
Emerging Trends: What’s Hot in 2025
AI is set to dominate the coming years, according to Nuno. He believes the “app economy” around AI will see substantial growth. Just as mobile-first apps revolutionized the tech world in 2008, AI-first platforms are poised to do the same now.
The technology landscape is also buzzing with developments in robotics, autonomous vehicles, and nuclear energy. However, Nuno Goncalves Pedro cautions that not all ventures will succeed. Selectivity is key. Investing intelligently means recognizing that while many startups will fail, those that succeed will revolutionize industries.
Besides AI, Nuno Goncalves Pedro is optimistic about self-driving cars and robotics. He feels we are closer than ever to achieving these milestones. Yet, he remains skeptical about reaching Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) anytime soon.
The Human Element: Navigating Job Displacement
One of the most pressing concerns about AI is its impact on jobs. Mark Savant shared his own experience in media marketing, noting that AI has drastically reduced costs and increased efficiency. However, this efficiency translates to fewer jobs. Nuno Goncalves Pedro believes that while job displacement is inevitable, new roles will emerge.
The pace of change is crucial. Rapid job displacement could lead to massive unemployment. Nuno Goncalves Pedro encourages organizations to use AI tools to stay competitive but warns against overlooking their human teams.
Building and Leading a Distributed Team
Chameleon operates as a remote-first company but values human connection. They maintain regular touchpoints and leverage distributed hubs for team cohesion. Nuno acknowledges the importance of in-person meetings to build credibility and trust.
Mark and Nuno agree on the value of personal connections within teams. Regular check-ins and non-work-related conversations build stronger relational ties. Nuno Goncalves Pedro emphasizes that even in larger organizations, personal connectivity drives performance. Those extra efforts make the difference in achieving high results.
The Pitfalls: Industries to Approach with Caution
When discussing industries to be cautious about, Nuno points to clean energy. He believes it’s too early for significant breakthroughs despite high expectations. While advancements in nuclear technology show promise, they lack maturity for widespread deployment.
Nuno Goncalves Pedro advises wary investments in the energy sector, emphasizing the need for a long-term vision. The tech might disrupt markets eventually, but for now, it’s a gamble.
Final Thoughts: Growth Mindset and the Future
Nuno Goncalves Pedro leaves us with a powerful message: we’re in a time of unprecedented change. A growth mindset is crucial for navigating this volatile landscape. If you have a fixed mindset, adapting to the rapid pace of innovation will be a struggle.
As we look to the future, leveraging AI and building human connections will define successful ventures. Both Mark and Nuno stress the importance of integrating the right tech and connecting with the right people.
Takeaways with Nuno Goncalves Pedro
- AI implementation MUST be strategic.
- The future of work is evolving.
- Leadership in remote teams requires intentional connection.
Timestamps:
00:07 Leveraging AI While Safeguarding Data
05:39 Approaching Self-Driving Era
08:11 Optimistic Views on Job Transition
11:33 “In-House AI Expertise”
16:29 Remote Collaboration and Local Hub Meetings
18:00 “Connecting Beyond Business”
20:31 Inspiring Leadership Drives Success
23:54 “Revolutionary Times and Mindset”
Connect with Nuno Goncalves Pedro
Website: www.chamaeleon.vc | www.nunogoncalvespedro.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ngpedro
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ngpedro
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